Today, the actions of rogue states and groups that promote violent ideologies pose the most significant threat to our national security. In my role as the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have been working to ensure that our defense posture is capable of meeting the threats of today, as well as tomorrow. I am committed to crafting defense policies that safeguards our nation in a forward-thinking, effective manner.
While it is important to devote an adequate level of military resources to confront changing security threats posed by ISIS and more traditional state-based adversaries, we must also coordinate our military efforts with the strength of our diplomatic and civilian agencies. In the 21st century, the various components of the United States’ foreign policy must be part of a cooperative agenda such that our short-term security objectives are balanced by our long-term development goals.
It is also important that the men and women of our Armed forces receive the support and training they need to perform their missions. In my nearly two decades of experience on the House Armed Services Committee, I have been working diligently to ensure that our military personnel have the best equipment and resources to confront the threats they face today, and in the future. In a time when the Pentagon is looking for ways to reduce costs, we must carefully evaluate our policies to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively, so that we might maintain a qualitative military advantage.
It is our responsibility as a nation to provide our veterans and their families with the support and services that they need.
For our veterans and their families who have faithfully served our nation, I am dedicated to resolving the two most inequitable policies affecting these individuals: providing full concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability benefits, and repealing the widow’s tax.
In addition, I am working to ensure that the VA remains capable of delivering quality healthcare that is capable of serving the unique needs of the veteran population. This includes ensuring that the VA is able to meet the demands of our newest veterans, those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.